Yuuka Hasumi, 17, put high school in Japan on hold and flew to South Korea in February to try her chances at becoming a K-pop star, even if that means long hours of vocal and dance training, no privacy, no boyfriend, and even no phone. (K-pop, Japanese hopefuls auditioning, South Korea and Japan.)

Once more, Vienna ranked world's nicest city and Baghdad worst. Vienna's excellent infrastructure, safe streets and good public health service make it the nicest place to live in the world, consulting group Mercer said in a global survey. (Cities and quality of life, discussion, complete the table, scanning, thinking carefully, ranking items.)

Japanese Emperor Akihito abdicated on April 30.The plan is to fade into retirement after decades in the spotlight. Friends hope Akihito will have time to indulge his love of tennis, but that could be tough given his age. (Abdication and the Emperor of Japan, conducting an interview, the changing face of royalty.)

During a lull in Afghanistan’s never-ending war Taliban fighters recall laying down their Kalashnikovs and, for a brief moment, enjoying a game of cricket. Cricket is the only one most of the fighters enjoy, commanders say, with matches attracting hundreds of spectators from Taliban-controlled villages when there is no fighting. They are also fans of the increasingly successful national team. (Cricket, sport as a unifying force, Afghanistan.)